The Rotary District 9705 Conference in Bathurst marked the culmination of so much work by so many Rotarians to have two former Districts working as one. The success of the conference may be attributed not just to the overall organiser, Phil Byrne OAM, and on the ground in Bathurst coordinator, Doug Kinlyside, along with their teams, but to all of those who have played a role in “opening opportunities” to ensure the successful establishment of one of two mega Districts within Australia. (The other mega District is 9510 in South Australia under the leadership of DG David Jones which borders our District to the west).

Having started the year with a goal of ensuring that District 9705 Rotarians accept their new status as a single District and work together to “do good in the world”, it was pleasing to see the turn out in Bathurst and the engagement of Rotarians with each other and with the program. My thanks really do go out to all who were involved. It was exciting to have well over three hundred in attendance and at one stage to have another 1700 participating online. Our District was very fortunate as many Districts in our Zone and internationally have either opted or been forced to postpone, cancel or manage with virtual conferences.

College of Governors

The weekend started with a meeting of Past District Governors who, with the current “G-train” (DG, DGE, DGN, DGN designate), form the college of governors. PDG Bob Greeney has taken leadership and, in this case, was ably supported by PDG Irene Jones in organising a brilliant meeting at Abercrombie House on Friday afternoon preceding the conference. The afternoon tea allowed renewal of old acquaintance, meeting PDGs from the alternative District and reflections on where we have been and what the future might hold for Rotary.

The Social Side

Our evening BBQ thanks to the combined Rotary Clubs of Bathurst was a great success. The event included a visit to the Bathurst Motor Racing Museum and some lucky raffle prize winners were taken for a few laps of the race course in a mid-1960s Ford Falcon GTHO. The manager, Brad, was also kind enough to take the returned Rotary Exchange Students (with Rob Uhl as chaperon) for a couple of laps. Throughout the weekend Rotarians were able to engage in so many ways. The dinner was probably the best opportunity for catching up with old friends and making new ones.

Our entertainment, engagement and enjoyment was enhanced by the work of Anton Pemmer as Master of Ceremonies who kept us in line for the two days and the very enjoyable Saturday night dinner. The singing topped off the wonderful speaker, great food and venue.  Our thanks to the BMEC team for looking after us so well.

The Speakers

Our dinner speaker was both entertaining and informative. Prof Robert Booy picked up on the healthier community and environment theme that was the hallmark of the conference and infused his talk with a great sense of humour. He followed on from such a run of great speakers commencing with our Australia and New Zealand Rotary International Director-elect, Dr Jessie Harman. Jessie remained with us throughout the conference and shared her broad knowledge and deep understanding of Rotary – and particularly of the place of women in Rotary and as leaders generally.

We were disappointed that our keynote speaker, Shane Fitzsimmons, had responsibilities because of the NSW floods and could not make the occasion. Rotarians understood and were pleased he was on the frontline once again.

Other speakers such as Fiona Nash built on the importance of women in Rotary and as leaders generally. With the introduction at the start of this Rotary year of the seventh area of focus for Rotary – “supporting the environment” we were able to get a better understanding thanks to the chairmanship of PDG David Brawn and speakers Justin Borevitz, Lesley Hughes and Tracy Sorensen. Tracy has followed up with a great article about Rotary environmental engagement that has been published in the Western Advocate).

The Royce Abbey Peace Oration, by Adjunct Professor John Skerritt, reminded us all of the importance of being aware of all of our neighbours. The impact of pandemics on peace and stability was a key element of the oration that explored a wide range of issues fundamental to peace. By Sunday morning the conference heard from Admiral Chris Barrie and ACT Emergency Services Commissioner, Georgina Whelan. Both speakers were moving and reminded us, inter alia, of the importance of trauma and understanding post-traumatic stress and the impact it has on the lives of individuals and their families.

Clubs telling their stories

A highlight of Rotary Conferences is understanding what other clubs are doing and being part of celebrating the contributions of your own clubs. Youth Exchange was highlighted with a difference this year. As we have no current exchange students, we were delighted to hear from returning exchange students, Theo, Siobhan and Saxon about what they had to deal with and how much they had learned in a year dominated by the pandemic.

Examples of outstanding club contributions were presented – but all recognised that these were just the tip of the iceberg compared to the work being done by more than 80 clubs and Rotaract Clubs across our District. Project included local, national and international efforts.

A focus on drought and bushfire recovery was important for all Rotarians. However, broader issues such as the medical needs of impoverished families, local assistance and vulnerable youth and wheelchair soccer were also featured.

A Chance for a better understanding of Rotary

I encourage all Rotarians to attend one of the District Assembly/Development days to be held in Young on Saturday May 15 with an alternative to be held on the South Coast – perhaps near Broulee (although date/venue have not year been finalised). You will hear more shortly. This really is a great opportunity to learn more about your District, Rotary, the various roles you can play and how you can be more involved in your area.

Conclusion

District 9705 is underway. With Leo Farrelly, Geraldine Rurenga and Andrea Grosvenor already engaging in working out how to ensure clubs can benefit from the larger district, there is no doubt that we are in good hands. For all of those people who have put up their hands to be part of the launch of the new District 9705, from inception until now, my sincere thanks. It is great to see your work come to fruition.